Uncoupling of mRNA synthesis and degradation impairs adaptation to host temperature in Cryptococcus neoformans.

The pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans must overcome multiple stressors to cause disease in its human host. In this study, we report that C. neoformans rapidly and transiently repressed ribosomal protein (RP) transcripts during a transition from 30°C to host temperature.

Ccr4 promotes resolution of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response during host temperature adaptation in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Adaptation to host temperature is a prerequisite for any pathogen capable of causing deep infection in humans. Our previous studies demonstrated that a Cryptococcus neoformans ccr4Δ mutant lacking the major deadenylase involved in regulated mRNA decay was defective in host temperature adaptation and therefore virulence. In this study, the ccr4Δ mutant was found to exhibit characteristics of chronic unfolded-protein response (UPR) engagement in both the gene expression profile and phenotype.